College's alumni raise questions instead of money (with video)

Some prominent local alumni of East Stroudsburg University expressed deep concern over the reputation and integrity of the institution, as allegations against its chief fundraiser continue to be investigated.

Some prominent local alumni of East Stroudsburg University expressed deep concern over the reputation and integrity of the institution, as allegations against its chief fundraiser continue to be investigated.

"Until the issues are settled over there, I have no intention of giving any further monies to the foundation," said Bryan Hill, a former president of the alumni board, echoing concerns of other alumni contacted over the past several days.

The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission are investigating allegations of sexual and financial impropriety by Isaac W. Sanders, ESU's vice president of advancement and executive director of the East Stroudsburg University Foundation.

Sources say that five young men have come forward with claims. Some of the five say that Sanders used money — in the form of scholarships and gifts — to pave the way for his alleged sexual advances.

Sanders was placed on leave with pay pending the results of the investigation.

"They ought to be reassessing their decision to suspend with pay. That is definitely in order," Hill said. "The trustees need to hold the administration's feet to the fire."

Late Thursday, the trustees extended the contract of President Robert J. Dillman for two years.

But one alumnus, who is also one of the university's most generous donors, spoke up on Sanders' behalf.

"I've always known him as an upright individual and hope everything is resolved," said Sam Niedbala, a million-dollar donor. "As an alumni, I think he's brought some special things to the university. We have the highest regard for him."

Officially, the alumni board took a muted stance.

"There's no reaction at this point from the alumni association," said Mark J. Mecca, its current president. "I'm basically viewing this as a personnel matter within the university. I know that the university is handling this and the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education investigation is ongoing."

Some wished for a speedy resolution.

"It's a difficult situation for everyone, clearly," said John Woodling. "It's certainly unfortunate that the situation exists, and it's certainly not in the university's best interest have it going on. Hopefully it will be resolved as quickly as possible."

Ernie Rydell, Sanders' predecessor as the foundation's president, echoed Woodling, but added that the situation was "very disappointing and discouraging."

Some alumni were troubled by the implications of recent reports, and how it would affect their efforts to raise money from other alumni.

"I feel that it's an embarrassment to the school, the alumni board and the alumni," said Michael Romano, who graduated from ESU and serves on the alumni board.

A Pocono Record analysis of endowed scholarships distributed by the foundation over the past decade revealed inconsistencies in payouts, including 48 endowed funds that did not get awarded at all in recent years. Another report revealed thousands of dollars in improper credit card expenditures by former director of major gifts, Vincent Dent. He said he has since paid it back.

"The alumni, after reading this information, even if it isn't true, will say, 'Do I want to contribute?' (They'll be) thinking that it won't be used correctly," Romano said. "That's the fear in the back of my mind."

Alumni conduct fundraising efforts on behalf of the university, including a phone-a-thon that last year surfaced 1,500 new donors, according to the foundation.

"Boy, it's going to be hard to collect money now," said John T. Lambert, a 1954 graduate. "I can't see how it couldn't affect fundraising — unless (the investigation) gets settled and shows that money wasn't funneled out of the foundation."

Sanders has led a $15 million comprehensive campaign on behalf of the university, which has brought in more than $16 million in pledges and gifts, according to the foundation.

Of that total, $12 million of the goal is in support of the construction of the Science and Technology Center, which will be unveiled officially next week. To date, $9 million has been raised for that purpose. The rest of the money supports athletics, arts, an annual fund and endowed scholarships.

Over the past year, the foundation has raised money for 12 additional scholarships, according to Acting Vice President John Ross, who is serving in Sanders' absence. Ross said he did not know how much money was in the fund that supplied the scholarships.

"I want to make sure they're actually getting that money," Trudi Denlinger said to Ross during a fundraising committee meeting for trustees on Thursday, referring to students. "We need total accountability of that scholarship program."